Wacky Vehicles Hit the Road in NorCal

A wacky fleet of art cars, bicycles, and other mobile contraptions braved zombies, robots, flying monkeys and Alice in Wonderland characters as the 7th Annual Obtainium Cup Contraptor’s Rally took place on Sunday, July 22 on Mare Island in Vallejo, California. The event also included steampunk vendors and musical entertainment by McPuzo and Trotsky, a duo that performs satirical songs inspired by the 1920s.

The rally featured hand-built “sculptural vehicles” such as a giant mobile pickle, a pirate-themed 1903 Oldsmobile replica, and a two-wheeled, two-seat contraption dubbed the “Vicious Cycle.” Entries were judged not on speed, but on how the participants handled the four challenges on the course. Trophies were presented for each of the challenges, with the best overall entry taking the grand prize. This year’s winner was an osprey fabricated by Magical Moonshine Theatre, a Vallejo-based performance group.

Judges included Vallejo Mayor Bob Sampayan, who showed up in fine steampunk headwear, and Vice Mayor Katy Miessner, who portrayed a zombie.

The event was produced by Obtainium Works, the Vallejo arts organization known in the steampunk world for Neverwas Haul, a three-story Victorian house on wheels. Obtainium Works describes itself as the San Francisco area’s “premier art car factory,” but most of the entries were by makers not affiliated with the organization.

See the gallery below for photos from the event. Also see our coverage of the previous day's Art Car Jam at the Obtainium Works studio.

Thanks to Clara Blackheart for identifying some of the folks in the photos.

Keep up with news in the world of steampunk.Sign up for our free weekly Steampunk Digest, delivered to your inbox.

The Steampunk Explorer is now on Patreon. A monthly pledge of $1 or more supports our work and provides access to premium content. Get the details here.

Obtainium Cup

Obtainium Cup trophies Each year's Grand Prize winner is inscribed on the Obtainium Cup, which resides at the Obtainium Works studio in Vallejo.

Pirate car It's a replica of a 1903 Oldsmobile. Captain Penelope is the driver.

Oil Barrel Special They'll be taking it to Burning Man.

Vicki and Dave Wilson Makers of the Vicious Cycle

Vicious Cycle Out for a spin.

Cinderella's Carriage

Cinderella's Carriage

He's in a pickle

Swanmobile

Naval Orange

Fish Hawk The fishy bicycle was part of an entry by Vallejo's Magical Moonshine Theatre. The fish are pursued by the osprey in back.

Tall-bike Crow Also part of the Fish Hawk entry. The wings flap.

Vallejo Mayor Bob Sampayan He was one of the judges.

Vallejo Vice Mayor Katy Miessner In full zombie regalia.

MC Trevor Allen Looking dapper.

Clara and Nathaniel Blackheart Posing in front of Cinderella's Carriage.

Trevor, the Queen and Major Catastrophe The Queen's dress is motorized.

Getting into position

Smokey the Bear

Start Your Engines!

Caution: Flying Monkeys The first challenge for the riders.

Monkeys ready to fly

Loaded and ready to fire

The Vicious Cycle. . . . . . is about to be pelted.

The fish head for the next obstacle. . .

. . . with the osprey in pursuit..

Beware: Robots!

Beware: Robots!

How many days snce the last robot attack?

Caution: This sign is for sci-fi geeks only

This way?

Now entering Wonderland

The White Rabbit awaits

A hail of bubbles

You don't pass this point. . . . . . until you feed the shark

Feed the shark

The Queen looks on Is she amused?

Another obstacle

Attendance is required

Mad Hatter Tea Party

Now leaving Wonderland

Next challenge Beware of zombies!

Zzombies attack!

They are relentless!

Across the finish line

The osprey lands This year's Grand Prize winner.

Group photo for the winners

Welcome

The Steampunk Explorer is an online magazine and resource directory for steampunk enthusiasts and creators. You'll find stories about people, places and events in the steampunk world, as well as guides to retail outlets, museums, galleries, eateries, and other attractions in 36 North American regions, with more to come. We also have several pages of resources for artists, writers, and people with an interest in 19th century history. The site launched in March 2018 and is currently in public beta (meaning "please excuse our dust"). Read more. . .